Patterns in Zika Virus Testing and Infection, by Report of Symptoms and Pregnancy Status — United States, January 3–March 5, 2016

INTRODUCTION:

Zika virus is a flavivirus primarily transmitted by Aedes species mosquitoes that has recently spread in the Region of the Americas . From January 1, 2015 to April 13, 2016, a total of 358 travel-associated cases of Zika virus disease were reported from U.S. states, 351 of which were in persons who traveled to or moved from areas with active Zika virus transmission (http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html). Most Zika virus infections are asymptomatic or cause mild clinical disease. Among persons with clinical illness, signs and symptoms commonly include one or more of the following: fever, rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis. Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been causally linked to congenital microcephaly and has been associated with other adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pregnancy loss. CDC recommends that persons with possible exposure to Zika virus receive testing if they have symptoms of Zika virus disease within 2 weeks of exposure. On February 12, 2016, CDC recommended that health care providers offer testing to asymptomatic pregnant women with possible exposure to Zika virus.

To read more: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6515e1.htm?s_cid=mm6515e1_w